Larry G. Speenburgh (1949 – 2013)
GERMANTOWN—Larry G. Speenburgh of Germantown, formerly of Haines Falls, peacefully passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at his home with his loving family by his side, after a year-long fight with pulmonary fibrosis.
He was born October 22, 1949 to the late Worthington and Marie (Crandell) Speenburgh in Catskill.
He was the beloved husband of 41 years to Sandy (Woodworth) Speenburgh; devoted father to Shannon (Scott) Haraldsen of Framingham, MA, Trevor (Kristin) Speenburgh of Livingston, Carrie (Chris) Ferrer of Ancram and Hope (Joshua) Oakes of Kinderhook; cherished and zany Poppa to Aidan, Mason, Hannah, Ashley, Sophia, Cassandra and Tanner; brother of Fay (Thomas) Lauster and James (Jeanette) Speenburgh. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ruthmary Woodworth and many friends and family.
Married April 1, 1972 in East Jewett, Mr. and Mrs. Speenburgh raised their four children in Germantown. Mr. Speenburgh was a hardworking, loving, easy-going, happy husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed his time with his grandchildren (often babysitting) and will be remembered for his energy, quick smile and willingness to always give of himself.
Mr. Speenburgh worked for many years in the automotive field in the Hudson Valley. He enjoyed classic car events, making car models and had an extensive model train layout, which every grandchild learned how to run.
He will be greatly missed, especially this Christmas season as he loved it so much.
Services were Friday, December 20 at the Yadack-Fox Funeral Home, Germantown. Following cremation interment will be in Haines Falls Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at Make-A-Wish America, 4742 North 24th Street, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016 or www.wish.org.
Nancy C. Akin (1932 – 2013)
HUDSON—Nancy C. Akin of Chatham died Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Columbia Memorial Hospital with family at her side.
Born November 7, 1932 in Hudson, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Mildred (Haigh) Andrews.
Mrs. Akin and her husband, Don were married for more than 62 years.
Besides being a devoted mother and homemaker, she loved knitting scarves, going to her high school class monthly luncheons, and taking trips to Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach and Orlando. After graduating from Chatham High School, she attended Mildred Elley in Albany. Her first job in 1951 was with Dr. Mesick, as a dental assistant. Later she worked as a remedial reading teacher’s aide in Washington, North Carolina and at Chatham High School. Then in 1981, Mrs. Akin became a town justice in Canaan—a position she held with honor and devotion, respecting the rights of all the people who came before her—for 23 years.
Survivors include: her husband, Don; sons, Donald, Jr., (Vicki) of Ghent, Douglas (Cathy) of Chatham, David of Hudson, Daniel (Sue) of Kinderhook and Darin of Ghent; five grandchildren, Jessica Rowe (Brent) of Ghent, Josh Akin of Chatham, Jenna Tessitore (Matt) of Ghent, Matt Akin of Chatham and Kailynn Akin of Austerlitz; three great-grandchildren, Lylah and Harper (Jessica and Brent), and Easton (Jenna and Matt).
Mrs. Akin was predeceased by her sister and brother in-law, Carol and Art Bohne, and her brother, Lawrence Andrews.
Calling hours are Sunday evening, December 22, 4 to 7 p.m. from the Wenk Funeral Home, Chatham.
A funeral service will be held Monday, December 23, 11:30 a.m. from the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Woodbridge Avenue, Chatham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Community Hospice of Columbia Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill 12414; the Chatham Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 352, Chatham 12037 or the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville 12211. Send online condolences at wenkfuneralhome.com.